Venture photographers snap up awards

Some of the top portrait photographers from around the world gathered in London to be honoured in the industry's very own annual Oscars organised by the Venture franchise.

The Venture Photographic Awards celebrates the best work from 250 Venture photographers from 63 studios across the UK, USA, and the Far East. This year the event coincided with Venture's 10th Anniversary.

Rick Reeder, from Sheffield, was the star of the evening, scooping three awards including the prized Photographer Of The Year. He was also honoured for his portraits in the Babies and Young Children categories. "It means the world to me to win these awards in what is a very competitive industry," said Mr Reeder, who was presented with the coveted award and a cheque for £2,500, at the Louise Blouin Gallery.

Richard Mayfield, Venture's Photography Director, said: "To celebrate our 10th anniversary we are delighted that Rick has been awarded Photographer of the Year. The judging panel thought all the winners' work was exceptionally creative and demonstrated great skill in the art of personal photography."

A further eight awards were presented on the night including Weddings - a new category for 2010 - which was presented to Tonie Sowerby, a photographer from the Doncaster studio, who was also won the Couples award.

Vicky King, who also works in Doncaster, was presented with the award for Families And Babies.

The award for Families With Older Children went to John Burrell, of Peterborough; Claire Hillard, of Nottingham, won the Toddlers category and Kat Bradley from Northampton won the pet category.